Hallelujah For the Cross :: By Nathele Graham

My earliest childhood memories are of attending worship services and the wonderful hymns we would sing. When I was very young, I couldn’t read the words, but singing the hymns every Sunday wrote the words on my heart. I didn’t always understand the meaning, but as I grew older, the words became full of meaning.

I love the old hymns that were written by people such as Fanny Crosby and Isaac Watts, who loved Jesus and turned that love into songs. I’ve also found some newer worship songs that have deep meaning. As we come to the season where we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, we cannot forget the cross. A person must believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in order to be saved from eternal death, and the cross was the way Jesus died. Jesus willingly gave His life for our salvation, and we must never ignore what the cross symbolizes.

Jesus did not remain on the cross, as some would like to depict, but His body was taken off the cross and placed in a sealed tomb. Three days later, He arose from the grave and conquered death for all who believe! HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS!

HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS

Written by Ross King and Todd Wright

Up to the hill of Calvary
My Savior went courageously
And there He bled and died for me,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

And on that day the world was changed
A final perfect Lamb was slain.
Let Earth and Heaven now proclaim,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

Hallelujah for the war He fought
Love has won; death has lost.
Hallelujah for the souls He bought,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

The cross was a victory, not a tragedy. Jesus chose to enter His creation, knowing that He would be mocked, beaten, and crucified. It was a vicious murder but the only way for our Saviour to shed His blood as a sacrifice to take sin away. The Jewish Passover was a foreshadowing of Jesus and was established when the Israelites were captive in Egypt. Moses had approached Pharoah several times to ask him to give Israel their freedom, but Pharoah wouldn’t do it.

And the LORD said unto Moses; Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt, afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether” (Exodus 11:1).

God was serious about setting His chosen people free. It would have been wise for Pharoah to have complied with God’s “request” when the water was turned to blood or when there was a plague of frogs, but Pharoah wasn’t wise. The final plague would be the death of the firstborn. There was only one way to be protected from this death. On the tenth of the month of Nissan, a lamb was to be chosen by every household, according to God’s directions.

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening” (Exodus 12:5-6).

The lamb was to be slain and his blood put upon the doorposts of the houses of Israel. It wasn’t to be a spur-of-the-moment choice to grab just any lamb and shed its blood. It had to be an unblemished lamb chosen for the purpose of sacrifice.

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:23-13).

Only the blood of the lamb would protect those who believed God’s word. That’s true today. Only the blood of Jesus, God’s perfect lamb, will protect us from eternal death. He died on the cross, shed His blood, and by accepting that sacrifice by faith, we are saved.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Passover is always in the Jewish month of Nissan, and this year, it begins at sunset on April 12 and ends at nightfall on April 20. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was crucified during Passover, and His shed blood is the final sacrifice for sin. There is no other way for salvation. HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS!

What good I’ve done could never save,
My debt too great for deeds to pay.
But God, my Savior, made a way,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

A slave to sin my life was bound,
But all my chains fell to the ground
When Jesus’ blood came flowing down.
Hallelujah for the Cross!

Hallelujah for the war He fought,
Love has won; death has lost.
Hallelujah for the souls He bought,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

Have you done lots and lots of good deeds? That’s nice, but those good works won’t bring salvation. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

Isaiah spoke the truth. Nobody is righteous enough to stand before God on their own merit. The Law set the standard of righteousness, and all people fall short of God’s perfection. The Law had to be followed exactly in order for a person to meet God’s standard. It’s humanly impossible to do that. Some of the Law required blood to be shed to cover sin.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22).

God does not condone human sacrifice, and that’s why there were animal sacrifices to cover sin. That covering was temporary. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

We need Jesus. Only His shed blood can take sin away. Jesus was fully human because His mother was just a human, and so He was a kinsman to all humanity. His father was God, so His blood was not tainted by the sin that comes from Adam. Jesus was fully human and fully God. John the Baptist recognized Jesus as God’s perfect lamb.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus fulfilled the Feast of Passover and was the once for all Sacrifice to take sin away. Faith in Him will bring redemption. There is no other way to live eternally except through the blood of Jesus. HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS!

And when I’ve breathed my final breath
I’ll have no need to fear that rest.
This hope will guide me into death.
Hallelujah for the Cross!

Hallelujah for the war He fought,
Love has won; death has lost.
Hallelujah for the souls He bought,
Hallelujah for the Cross!

It will happen. There is a day in the future for all of us when we will take our last breath in this world. The Rapture will happen soon, and Jesus will take His followers to Heaven. Many others will die prior to the Rapture.

Do you know where you will spend eternity? There are only two options; there’s no purgatory to give you a second chance. You will either spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus, or you will spend eternity in the lake of fire that burns forever. The choice must be made before you take your final breath.

If you depend upon your own good works to earn your way to Heaven, then you will not have a pleasant eternity. On the other hand, if you’ve truly repented and asked Jesus to forgive your sin, then you’re one of the souls He bought with His blood, and you have no reason to fear death. His blood, shed on the cross, has bought your salvation.  HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS!

Jesus died so humanity could live. He is our Kinsman-Redeemer, our Saviour, our Lord, and our God. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is all that, but He loves you and will forgive your sin. While hanging on the cross, He looked at the people on the ground. Some had pounded the nails into his hands and feet, some had cried out for His crucifixion, some had condemned Him, and all had sin.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).

Those watching Him die had no thought of their sin. I wonder if any of them repented prior to their own death. If you haven’t repented and asked Him to forgive your sin, do it now. He loves you and shed His blood for you. HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS!

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

God Is Revealing Himself :: By Daymond Duck

When the disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His coming, He said, “Behold the Fig Tree [Israel] and all the trees [all the nations]” (Luke 11:29).

Watch the nation of Israel and all the nations (watch Israel, the UN, the EU, Russia, Iran, Turkey, etc.).

Compare what is happening to what the Bible says.

The Apostle Paul asked a question, “Hath God cast away his people?”

His answer, “God has not cast away his people which he foreknew” (Rom. 11:1-2).

The Bible clearly teaches:

  • That God would scatter the Jews all over the world.
  • That God would cause the Jews to return at the end of the age.
  • That God would reestablish Israel step-by-step as a great nation in one generation (the villages would be rebuilt, the forests would be re-established, the wildlife would return, etc.).
  • That Jerusalem would be rebuilt and become a problem for all nations.
  • That Israel will be surrounded by enemies.
  • That Israel would become a great army that could not be destroyed.
  • That Israel would not have peace until it has gone through the Tribulation Period.
  • That all Israel would not get saved until the end of the Tribulation Period.

Jesus told everyone to watch for these things, and they are happening.

This is evidence of His existence and the truth of His Word.

He is revealing himself to the world and confirming the accuracy of the Bible.

I believe it also means that the bride (Church) will meet the Bridegroom (Jesus) soon.

Here are more reasons to believe this.

One, concerning Iran: earlier this month (on Mar. 19, 2025), it was reported that Pres. Trump sent a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei urging him to resume negotiations over Iran’s effort to build nuclear weapons, and Trump gave Iran two months to reach an agreement.

On Mar. 26, 2025, it was reported that the U.S. is strengthening its forces in the Middle East.

According to the report:

  • Trump ordered an aircraft carrier to join one that is already there.
  • Trump had four B-2 stealth bombers deployed at Diego Garcia air base where they can reach Iran.
  • Trump dispatched at least five B-2 bombers to join the first four, and there is speculation that he has more on the way.
  • Trump deployed three C-17 cargo planes and 11 KC-135 refueling tankers to Diego Garcia.

Trump’s preparations are a message to Iran: Come to the negotiating table before your two months are up, or we will attack.

(More: On Mar. 28, 2025, Iran’s parliament speaker said, “If the Americans attack the sanctity of Iran, the entire region will blow up like a spark in an ammunition dump. Their bases – in the Middle East – and those of their allies will not be safe.”)

(My opinion: I don’t know what Trump will do if Iran doesn’t negotiate, and I don’t think Iran will negotiate, but Trump usually follows through on his threats.)

(More: On Mar. 30, 2025, on NBC News, Trump said if they – the Iranians – don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.)

FYI: On Mar. 31, 2025, Worthy News Correspondent, Emmitt Barry, gave this excellent explanation of what is behind Iran’s effort to conquer the world:

  • While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
  • Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting Islamic law and the Qur’an’s inner meanings. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
  • The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.

Here is a link to Barry’s important article:

https://www.worthynews.com/103854-iran-ready-to-strike-missiles-ready-preemptive-strike-urged

(My comment: Most Arabs reject Iran’s beliefs – they are Sunni Muslims, not Shiite Muslims – and Iran’s view of Jesus is not Biblical. Sunni Muslims believe Shiite Muslims are pagan, and Shiite Muslims believe Sunni Muslims are pagan. They believe the one that is right will prevail at the end of the age. This is a big reason why the Arabs do not want Iran to get nuclear weapons.)

(My comment: Some prophecy teachers, including myself, believe a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to Iran and perhaps others responding by attacking Israel. This could lead to the latter years and latter days Battle of Gog of Magog.)

Two, concerning Turkey joining Russia, Iran, and others in the Gog of Magog attack on Israel in the latter days and latter years: on Mar. 30, 2025, Turkey’s Prime Min. Erdogan called for the destruction of Israel at a Ramadan service.

In an interview following the service, Erdogan said, “May Allah destroy and devastate Zionist Israel.”

Three, concerning Turkey joining Russia, Iran, and others in the Gog of Magog attack on Israel in the latter days and latter years: Gog’s forces will approach Israel from the north like a cloud (perhaps with lots of airpower; Syria; Ezek. 38:9).

On Apr. 1, 2025, Turkey and Syria signed an agreement for Turkey to take over an airbase in Syria and provide air cover and military protection for Syria’s new government.

Four, concerning Turkey joining Russia, Iran, and others in the Gog of Magog attack on Israel in the latter days and latter years: on Apr. 1, 2025, Israel assassinated a terrorist with ties to Iran and Hezbollah that helped Hamas in Lebanon fire rockets at Israel four days earlier.

Five, concerning an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters at the end of the age: on Mar. 28, 2025, a 7.7 earthquake (and a 6.4 aftershock) struck Myanmar (also called Burma) and Thailand.

The full extent of death, injury, and damage was not immediately known, but it will be great.

(Update: On Mar. 29, 2025, it was reported that the confirmed death toll has reached more than 150, more than 750 are wounded, about 100 are missing in Myanmar, and experts say the death toll in the region could top 1,000.)

(Update: On Mar. 30, 2025, more than 1,600 confirmed dead in Myanmar and 18 in Thailand.)

Six, concerning Israel expanding its borders at the end of the age: on Mar. 26, 2025, Israel’s Cabinet Secretary said the security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria are permanent zones.

Concerning Gaza, Israel’s Defense Min. said because Hamas is refusing to release the hostages, more and more of Gaza will be integrated into Israel’s defense formation, and this has already been approved by the Israeli government.

Concerning Lebanon, he said the Israeli military will remain at five outposts in Lebanon to protect Israeli citizens in northern Israel regardless of any disputed negotiations over the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Concerning Syria, he said Israeli forces are on Mt. Hermon to protect the citizens on the Golan Heights, to protect Israel’s border with Syria, and to keep an eye on the new Syrian government.

(My Opinion: Muslims believe that once they have occupied territory and lose control of it, they must retake it or they are an insult to Allah. Israel’s decision to keep the security zones – expanded borders – will not sit well with Islam.)

Seven, concerning the Israel-Hamas war: on Mar. 31, 2025, Israel ordered the evacuation of most of Rafah in advance of a large-scale attack on Hamas forces in the city.

Eight, concerning Israel being a great army at the end of the age: on Mar. 31, 2025, it was reported that recent U.S. attacks on Houthi terrorist forces in Yemen have caused a significant reduction in their missile-launch capabilities.

(More: Following a series of U.S. attacks on Houthi terrorist forces in Yemen, on Mar. 31, 2025, Trump said the U.S. will not stop attacking the Houthis until the Houthis stop attacking U.S. naval vessels.)

Nine, concerning corruption, deceit, wickedness, and a borderless world at the end of the age: on Mar. 30, 2025, Elon Musk said:

  • We (DOGE) found 20 million dead people marked as alive in the Social Security system.
  • The Biden administration wasn’t asleep at the switch.
  • It was a large-scale effort to import as many illegals as possible, ultimately to reshape the U.S. voting system and establish a permanent one-party state.

(More: On Apr. 1, 2025, it was reported that a DOGE team member said Social Security numbers were given to more than 3.9 million non-citizens in 2021-2024, and at least 1.3 million non-citizens were enrolled in Medicaid.)

(More: Trump has moved to stop non-citizens from voting in federal elections, but on Apr. 2, 2025, it was reported that the Democrat Party’s Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, filed a lawsuit to allow illegal aliens to vote in US elections. Giving millions of illegal aliens Social Security numbers, putting them on Medicaid, and allowing them to vote would impact the election in battleground states and, in essence, allow non-citizens to decide who would be president of the U.S. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, which seems to lean toward Democrats.)

Ten, concerning Jerusalem being a cup of trembling for the whole world at the end of the age: despite illegal arrest warrants issued by a seemingly corrupt International Criminal Court (ICC) for the arrest of Prime Min. Netanyahu, he will be in Hungary on Apr. 3, 2025, where Hungary is expected to announce that it is moving its embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the ICC.

Hungary will be the first country in the EU and the seventh country in the world to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Eleven, concerning the expansion of Israel’s borders at the end of the age: on Apr. 2, 2025, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu announced that Israel has seized the Morag Corridor in Gaza because Hamas is refusing to release more hostages.

This will divide the Gaza Strip and cut off Rafah from Gaza City, two large cities in Gaza.

Netanyahu said Israel will continue to seize more territory if Hamas continues to refuse to release hostages.

Twelve, concerning corruption in the FBI and deceit by 51 former government intel officials and Pres. Biden: recently released documents verify that the FBI knew that the Hunter Biden Laptop story was true (not Russian disinformation), but the FBI warned people not to report the story and covered it up to protect the Biden administration.

Pres. Biden lied about the story and ultimately pardoned Hunter and others.

Trump canceled the security clearances of the 51 former government officials.

Thirteen, concerning an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters at the end of the age: the U.S. is currently going through several days of powerful storms, unusually heavy rain, and possibly historic flooding.

Fourteen, concerning hatred for Israel and corruption in the UN (wannabe world government), on Apr. 2, 2025, it was reported that the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has scheduled a vote for this week to begin an open-ended investigation of Israel (but no investigations of any other nation on earth).

Two U.S. Senators have sent a letter to UN Sec. Gen. Guterres with a warning that the UN should stop its one-sided targeting of Israel.

(My opinion: As far as I know, Israel is the only nation that the Bible says will be hated at the end of the age. God is revealing himself to the world and confirming the accuracy of the Bible.)

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com